Parents' Nurturing Skills Help Battle Effects of Poverty

A recent study by Washington University pediatricians revealed the powerful impact that parents' nurturing of their young ones can have in countering the effects of poverty. Click here to read about this fascinating research, which gives hope to parents struggling to create a better and more hopeful life for their children. The daily challenges of living without financial resources, without the safety and security that so many of us take for granted, and often going to bed hungry obviously takes a toll on parents. 

Nurturing parents and caregivers can actually combat the negative effects of the stress of poverty. Early childhood programs have a dual role in this fight - by nurturing the children in our care, every minute of every day; and by engaging our parents to help them develop and maintain the same skills at home. 

What do you think about the role of preschools and other neighborhood anchors in nurturing children and supporting parents? How would you rate St. Louis in building a support system that encourages this?